Toni Pray

Toni Pray, 78, of Salt Lake City, Utah passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving children on August 9, 2025.

Born on April 1, 1947 to Julius Edwin Hansen and Eda Christoffersen Hansen, Toni was the true baby of the family as the youngest of 6 children. She was born 16 years after the next youngest sibling and 25 years after her oldest sister. She adored her siblings and their spouses and loved to tell stories of how much fun they were in her youth. Because she was so young she was the same age as many of her nieces and nephews but fondly remembers her time spent with them, even though many were older than she was. She spent some of her fondest years with Ed "Eddie" Hansen, the son of her oldest sister. They were raised like siblings and spent years laughing together.

One of the highlights of her life was spending two years in Hawaii while in elementary school. Her parents served a mission to build what was then "The Church College" (now BYU Hawaii). Even though they were missionaries they lived in Laie in a house, instead of in church housing. This is where Toni found her love for Hawaiian Culture. She learned Hula and Tahitian dance. She continued her love of the islands and hula through her life.

She graduated from Sky View High School and then attended Utah State University. She majored in English and became an English teacher. She loved teaching English and Shakespeare in particular. Later on, she became the school Librarian, which she also loved. She was passionate about teaching and truly cared for her students. She not only made sure they used correct grammar, but she made sure to know that she cared about them. She was truly meant to be a teacher and mentor.

Toni was a bright spot in any room she entered. She had a smile that would truly light up a room and laugh that would cheer up anyone. Toni was bright and quick witted and incredibly creative. She had amazing friends throughout her life. She cultivated numerous friendships that lasted throughout her life and was still close with friends dating back to elementary and high school.

Toni had two children that she loved dearly. She always joked that she never wanted kids, but you would have never known it. She was a loving and caring mom. She welcomed their spouses with open arms and treated them as her own. Toni's granddaughter was the light of her life. She would do anything for her grandkid and spoil her, as any grandma should. Toni was so delighted that her granddaughter was a wrestler and was so excited that she is heading off to college to major in English.

Toni is survived by her two children Chris (Meg) of Park City, Utah, Catherine (Robert) of West Valley City, Utah and one granddaughter Abigail of Park City, Utah, countless nieces and nephews all of whom brought great joy to her life. She is also survived by her best friend Gwen, who was truly like a sister, their nearly 50 years of friendship meant the world to Toni and her kids.

Toni was predeceased by her parents Ed and Eda Hansen of Hyde Park, Utah, her Siblings Alene Hansen, Omer Hansen, Ruth (Dan) Hunsaker, Jay Hansen, Ruth Done Hansen, Jerry (Cathie) Hansen.

A Celebration of Life for friends and family is scheduled for September 13, 2025. Toni requested her ashes be spread in Hawaii which will be done by her children and grandchild.

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial donation to the charity of your choice.